Nashua South Purple Panthers Edge Out Fall Mountain Wildcats in Granite State Challenge

Two-time champions outpace Wildcats in competitive opening game of 44th season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The two-time Granite State Challenge champions, the Purple Panthers of Nashua South, outpaced the Fall Mountain Wildcats in a competitive opening game of the 44th season, with a final score of 345 to 220. The game featured a close Round One, strategic play in Round Two, and strong performances from both teams' alternates in Round Three, before Nashua South pulled ahead in Round Four to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The Granite State Challenge is a long-running and prestigious academic competition in New Hampshire, showcasing the state's brightest high school students. This opening game of the 44th season sets the tone for the rest of the competition, with the two-time defending champions Nashua South looking to extend their winning streak against a determined Fall Mountain team.

The details

In the opening round, both teams displayed their knowledge across a range of subjects, from sports to pop culture. Nashua South's Thanasi Miris and Eric Picanco were particularly strong in these areas, while Fall Mountain's Lennon Doescher and Rylie Porter also made key contributions. The strategic Round Two saw Fall Mountain improve significantly from their wildcard game, while Nashua South maintained their lead. In the quick-fire Round Three, the teams' alternates helped boost their scores, with Nashua South's Jerry Primo and Lexie Ross assisting their team's strong performance. Nashua South then dominated Round Four, with 10th-grader Charlie Long's quick buzzer responses proving crucial to their victory.

  • The 44th season of Granite State Challenge began on February 16, 2026.
  • Nashua South and Fall Mountain qualified for the first round of games in November 2025 after taking a qualifying test.
  • Fall Mountain defeated the Lin-Wood Lumberjacks in a wildcard game in December 2025 to secure their spot in the first round.
  • The opening game between Nashua South and Fall Mountain was aired on New Hampshire PBS on February 16, 2026.

The players

Nashua South Purple Panthers

The two-time Granite State Challenge champions, led by captain Henry Long and including Eric Picanco, Thanasi Miris, Charlie Long, Jerry Primo, and Lexie Ross. The team is coached by Social Studies teacher Lex Duval and English teacher Kelli Thornhill-Telerski.

Fall Mountain Wildcats

The team from Fall Mountain Regional High School, led by captain Ben Weightman and including Lennon Doescher, Josh Town, Rylie Porter, Keegan White, and Nate Sudsbury. The team is coached by Social Studies teacher Nick Belsky.

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What they’re saying

“I think we played exactly how we were hoping to and expecting to. It's really nice to just win a game because we've been unlucky in the past few years.”

— Henry Long, Captain, Nashua South Purple Panthers

“Nashua had some good buzzer training and definitely beat us to a couple of questions that our kids knew.”

— Nick Belsky, Coach, Fall Mountain Wildcats

“I'm glad we put up a fight. It's always a good feeling to compete.”

— Ben Weightman, Captain, Fall Mountain Wildcats

“It was a great game. Fall Mountain performed great. We're just as proud of them as we are of our own students.”

— Lex Duval, Coach, Nashua South Purple Panthers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.